No comments about The Collins Guide to Dog Nutrition,.

5 comments about Irish Terrier: A Complete and Reliable Handbook (Complete Handbook).

1. Good pictures....Ill give them credit for that, but they didnt give too much information on the actual breed, rather dogs in general. Like the grooming chapter, it recomends you CUT the dogs fur?? it hardly brings up stripping....or how to groom for the show ring. The give us all the obvious stuff about bringing home a new puppy, and all the diseases a dog could possibly get.....not just the IT!! anywho......yeah...thats all!!



2. "Irish Terrier" was very easy reading. I finished the book in about three and a half hours. I was considering bringing an Irish Terrier puppy into my home as a birthday present for my daughter. After reading this book it is no longer a consideration, but a future certainty. The book was extremely informative for potential owners, and offers enough detail to make the decision as to whether or not this is the dog for you. The author gives the reader a history of the breed, characteristics of the breed, training tips, grooming, and an important section on the health care of the dog. As a person who has always had dogs, but has never owned a purebred dog I found the book offered a lot of information about the way to prepare your home, and your family for the caring of a purebred. I found the text interesting, informative, and easy to follow and comprehend. I have already started contacting reccommended reputable breeders, and am anxious to finally bring home the new member of our family. "Irish Terrier" will serve as a useful guide to me and my family for the care, training, and overall well being of our Irish Terrier. I highly reccommend it to potential new owners.



3. the text is a pretty generic "dogs for dummies" type of book. Having recently bought my first Irish Terrier -- not to mention my first terrier -- I would have liked more specifics about the breed itself, how to groom it, how its personality impacts training, etc. Instead we get gorgeous pictures, together with the breed standard (which is free on the internet), and generic grooming tips, then several chapters on how to introduce [any] puppy to a new home, how to socialize, how to feed, what types of common ailments to look out for. Unfortunate to waste a captive audience, since there is so little available real-time information about the breed.



4. This is an excellent book for anyone who is a new IT owner or contemplating ownership. I gave it to my 13 year-old daughter for Christmas. It's perfect for her and Mom & Dad too! The book offers detailed information on care, grooming, feeding, training, etc. Everything you wanted to know and things you didn't even think of. A must have for IT lovers!



5. The author of this book is Muriel P. Lee, not G.& D. Kid

No comments about Do Dogs Need Shrinks?.

4 comments about Going for the Blue: Inside the World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows.

1. I enjoyed reading it, but it tells you nothing of how to show your dog. Only about dogs shows and the handlers. But no instruction on how to show your dog...



2. In short, don't waste your money, they are other books out there that are better, in my opinion.



3. The late Roger Caras devoted a lifetime to improving the lives of animals and the people who love them. Although he has written numerous books and articles, he will always be remembered as the voice of the Westminster Dog Show.

   This is definitely a book for novices in the show ring, and as such it is outstanding. Those more experienced with conformation showing can still delight in Roger's antecdotes.




4. This book deserves more than five stars.

   "This book is about dog shows, how they work, [and] what they mean . . . ." The book especially elaborates on "an incredibly complex relationship [between] . . . two different species of mammals [, people and dogs]."

   Many people have enjoyed seeing a major dog show on television, such as the large one held each year in New York City. What lies behind the appearances and performances of all those remarkable dogs? This book provides the answers to all of the obvious questions in an entertaining and accessible way.

   Mr. Caras is a very knowledgeable person to write this book. He has been a president of the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and has been a television correspondent about animals for more than two decades. The book is enlivened by many excellent stories about dogs, and contains several impressive black and white photographs of champions in a special insert on white glossy stock.

   The book begins with a delightful discussion of how dogs probably became domesticated from wolves and how breeds emerged from this one species. His speculations make sense, and will cause your imagination to wander into interesting new thoughts. The benefits of dogs to people and the reverse are highlighted. The sense of touch between dog and human is demonstably helpful and healthful in both directions.

   There are about 20 million purebred dogs in the United States. Less than 10 percent of these purebred dogs will ever see a show ring. Most that do appear will not get past one or two outings, done in by their physical flaws, their dislike of showing, or bad handling. Dogs are judged for conformation to standards in areas like size, color, shape, proportions, coat and face features, and walk. Walk is the key test because flaws that can be hidden while standing still are immediately evident in the gait. As a result, only about 21,000 new champions will be made each year in American Kennel Club records. You will learn the details of what is involved.

   The costs of showing can be significant. A purebred puppy can cost from $350 to $10,000. The cost of a year-long campaign can exceed $100,000. The more you do yourself, the less it costs. Breeders of show dogs seldom make a profit. People do this because they love dogs, want to improve them, and enjoy the social contact of the shows.

   You will learn all about the different breeds, the way that judging occurs, and how to select the right breed for you. You are strongly warned to avoid pet shops and "puppy mills" for obtaining your dog. The process of how to find and care for a dog is also explained.

   Dogs compete both on appearance and in obedience trials. Both types of events are described. You are given information about whether or not you are a good candidate to work with a dog in obedience trials. Having done these, I can attest that they are demanding on the owner-trainer, as well as on the family and dog. Mr. Caras also describes how Junior Showmanship contests can help youngsters get involved.

   He is very outspoken and direct in the ethics of dog ownership. He feels that "no pet-quality dog (or cat), purebred or random-bred, should ever be allowed to reproduce" in light of the many animals that have to be destroyed now. He is not only against pet shop puppies, he states that "puppy mills are an evil, ugly concept."

   If you are thinking about buying a purebred dog and have little experience, this is a very helpful book for you. Your experience should be much improved as a result.

   After enjoying this delightful book, I suggest that you think about other areas where symbiotic relationships between humans and nature occur. The bonsai tree is one of my favorites. These tiny trees would not last for centuries without being nurtured by people. The rewards in beauty, peace, and tranquillity are immeasurably important.

   What other symbiotic relationships should you take on?

   Get in closer touch with nature . . . and with your own humanity!

No comments about Dog Training: Step by Step : A New Guide for Owners and Instructors.

5 comments about Animal Antics: A Photo Expose.

1. This book is heartwarming and cute. All of these coffee table animal books are about the same. This one was no different. The pictures are adorable the writing is mediocre.



2. wow i really liked this book! it was sooo cute and funny! i hope one day to have made my very own book just like the ppl who made this one. that's soooo neat. i like the fact that it wasnt just pictures; it was a whole bunch of pictures made into a story. i cant wait to see what these ppl come up with next!

   ~TAylor




3. wow i really liked this book! it was sooo cute and funny! i hope one day to have made my very own book just like the ppl who made this one. that's soooo neat. i like the fact that it wasnt just pictures; it was a whole bunch of pictures made into a story. i cant wait to see what these ppl come up with next!

   ~TAylor




4. I loved this book. Mr. Lund's foxy use of words and pictures lets us into the afterhour life of the animals is our life. I am giving it for a Christmas present. Read it! You will be glad you did.



5. This book will be loved by young and old alike. It is full of warmth and lots of laughs. These clever photographs of animals will have us all saying .. Hmmmmmm what are they doing when we leave the house. Great work Mr. Lund !!

2 comments about Greyfriars Bobby: The Real Story at Last.

1. Having loved the story of Greyfriar's Bobby since I was a little boy, I went to visit his grave in Edinburgh, when I was there at Christmas. It's lovely, and simple. I read the book on the plane back to the states, and the true story is so much more interesting. Here's a story that needs a movie remake.

   This books sets to rights the things that were wrong with the American novel (which I also bought) Olde Jock, for example, wat a policeman, not a shepherd. He was on the force for 4 years. The books goes deep into the details of the kirkyard, and how things like the development of an electric clock, the Queen's wedding anniversary and so much else, relates to the history of the city and the story of this remarkable dog.

   I got it in the Kirk in Edinburgh, but, if you order it, the true story is well worth reading, if for nothing else, than to compare with the unfortunate fasehoods that have been added to the story over the years.




2. This book is definately the true story of Greyfriars Bobby. It is a beautifully crafted story about the relationship between a man and Bobby, his Skye Terrier. The loyalty and friendship between the two is remarkable, it will bring tears to your eyes and at the same time, joy to your heart. I recently visited Scotland and this book was recommended by every book shop owner and multiple tour guides. I highly recommend this story to anyone 7 years old and up.

1 comments about Maltese (Breeders' Best).

1. Ms. Nicholas' credentials are incredible and she has been involved with dogs most all her life. She judged her first show in 1934 and has written many books. Her knowledge of the canine species and the Maltese breed is evident in her no-nonsense style of writing. Her approach to the book includes history, care, grooming, showing and more.

   This is the first book on Maltese that I have read which includes a detailed background of the major Maltese kennels in the U.S. It was exciting to see a photo of one of the champion ancestors of my new little puppy, Oswald (11 weeks old). Plus, I now know the history of the other champions in Oswald's lineage.

   If you are considering showing your dog, this book explains the point system and dog events wonderfully. I could visualize the event as I read her description. Plus, I now clearly understand the mammoth task it is to earn a champion status.

   Overall, the book is a good read, well organized, and worth the purchase price. It's one you will reference again and again.

2 comments about Beastly Son.

1. I just could not put the book down. It weaves you into the experiences between the family members and their beloved pet wolf. You will feel emotions that the family felt as various events took place as if you had actually experienced them yourself. A great and captivating book!



2. A classic subject: A man and his dog, although in this engrossing account it's a man and his wolf. From heartwarming to heartbreaking to overcoming deep pain and frustration, this true story will draw you in with the author's keen perspective, attitude and humor.

No comments about Paul Loeb's Complete Book of Dog Training.